There are three different ways to start keeping bees. You will need bee equipment (their house) for them to live in, one mated laying queen and bulk worker bees (generally 3 pounds of worker bees). We have everything you need to get started, so it's real easy!

First, you should choose from one of three options. We have them listed from the most economical (which will have a higher risk of startup error) to the easiest method (with no risk of start up, but a higher cost), and the pros and cons of each option.

If you must have your bees shipped and are unable to pick them up, our 3-pound package of bees with a mated laying queen is your ONLY option (#1 below). The other two options cannot be shipped.

Option #1 - Weaver Buckfast 3-lb. Package with Queen

$175.00 each PLUS shipping
Available for customer pickup OR shipping via UPSAvailable in Spring

A package of bees comes with 3 pounds of bulk bees and one mated laying queen. This option is popular because it is the most economical way to start and provides the beekeeper the opportunity of starting a hive of bees from the ground up and a great learning curve. The new beekeeper will have to install the bulk bees into permanent equipment and introduce the queen into the bees. This introduction point is where most errors are made and the risk of a successful introduction may not materialize. Check out our hiving tips for more info!

Package Bees are shipped by UPS NEXT DAY AIR. The charge for this shipping method will be added to your order at checkout. Online orders will receive an email with your tracking number the day your order ships.

For customer pickup, installation to permanent equipment is easy and we'll show you how to do it by participating in our LIVE HIVING DEMONSTRATION. The demonstration class is free and no sign-up is necessary. We'll provide the designated pickup dates and the class will start at 11:00am on all Spring pickup dates. You will still need to select your bee equipment. We recommend our Deluxe Beginner's Kit; it comes with everything you need to hive your bees and all the necessary beekeeper accessories. It does not come with a bee suit, but that can be purchased in our store when you pick up your hive.

See our Bee Supplies link for purchasing the tools of the trade. All bee equipment and accessories are available at our store, no need to preorder!

Option #2 - Weaver Buckfast 4-Frame Nuc

A 4-Frame Nuc with a Laying Queen, 4 frames of drawn comb, brood, and honey. Also includes a division board feeder. We install the bees in a temporary home and introduce the queen into the hive so you will not have to risk the possibility of error. We make sure the queen is successfully introduced and the queen has a good egg laying pattern. The temporary nuc box allows the bees to come and go, visiting flowers and drawing honeycomb, building their hive to four of the 10 frames drawn out when you pick it up.

The 4-Frame Nuc is the middle of the road option on price and starting risk. It still provides the beekeeper with very early beekeeping experience and hive management. It just gives you a nice jump start on the finished hive.

Installation to permanent equipment is easy and we'll show you how to do it by participating in our LIVE HIVING DEMONSTRATION. The demonstration class is free and no sign-up is necessary. We'll provide the designated pickup dates and the class will start at 11:00am on all Spring pickup dates. You will still need to select your bee equipment. We recommend our Deluxe Beginner's Kit; it comes with everything you need to hive your bees and all the necessary beekeeper accessories. It does not come with a bee suit, but that can be purchased in our store when you pick up your hive.

See our Bee Supplies link for purchasing the tools of the trade. All bee equipment and accessories are available at our store, no need to preorder!

Option #3 - Weaver Buckfast One-Story Established Hive of Bees

This method is best for beekeepers who want to get started without all of the early potential risks of establishing a hive of bees. It is ready to load in your vehicle to go to its new home. You can begin your beekeeping experience by learning to manage your hive without having to worry about startup mistakes.

This is also a great option for customers who want to have bees on their land as an Agriculture Tax Exemption, and you can check out our Hive Leasing Program if you're interested in the AG Tax Exemption but don't necessarily want to purchase and manage the hives yourself.

You'll still need to purcahse a few extra bee supplies such as your honey super, bee smoker, bee suit, hive tool, gloves, brush, etc., and you can check out our Bee Supplies section to pick up those tools of the trade. All bee equipment and accessories are also available at our store, so there's no need to preorder!

We hope you find this information helpful and look forward to hearing from you soon!